Austrian Expressway Project Offers Glimpse into the Future
Rainbach, Austria – Curious minds now have a unique opportunity to delve into the future of their town.
A newly opened information kiosk in the town square provides a detailed and accessible overview of the S10 Mühlviertler Expressway construction project, specifically the northern division. Entry to the kiosk is free and open to all, regardless of age or technical background.
This interactive display breaks down complex construction processes into easily digestible information, revealing insights into everything from tunnel excavation to environmental initiatives. Notable features include:
- Tunnel Fourteen excavation: Visitors can learn about the progress of tunnel construction, a key component of the new road.
- Environmental commitment: The display highlights the significant investment in environmental protection measures, which make up a third of the project’s budget. This includes relocation efforts for protected species like butterflies and lizards prior to construction.
- Complete project overview: Just like interactive blueprints, the exhibit offers a comprehensive look at the entire expressway route, including the planned nine-kilometer stretch from Rainbach Nord to Wullowitz.
"The exhibition takes everyone behind the scenes of the future Rainbach bypass in a simple and understandable way,” explains Andreas Fromm, Managing Director of Asfinag Bau Management GmbH, which is spearheading the project.
The exhibition was a collaborative effort led by Günter Lorenz, Mayor of Rainbach, and Anita Gstöttenmayr, Mayor of Leopoldschlag. Their commitment underscores the project’s significance to the local community.
"The citizens of Rainbach will see a significant improvement in their quality of life once the bypass is completed," says Lorenz. "It will reduce traffic congestion and noise pollution within the town." The kiosk is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM and features explanations in both German and Czech.
Construction on the seven-kilometer western bypass for Rainbach is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
Asfinag has allocated €346 million to the project, which aims to improve traffic safety and quality of life for residents.
